The British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) is responsible for the national classification and censorship of films within the United Kingdom. Film classification allows consumers to access information they may potentially need about a particular film or video before they decide whether or not to view it, as well as safeguarding children from unsuitable and even harmful content they may be subjected to.
Films assessed by the British Board of Film Classification are determined by the seven following classifications:
The 'U' symbol stands for Universal, and therefore states that content within universally classified films are suitable for viewing for audiences aged four and above. It is impossible to know what may or may not upset one particular child, hence why the 'U' classification is not including those younger than four whom this would typically apply for.
A Universal rated film allows very infrequent use of of mild bad language as to not offend young viewers. Films or videos within this classification tend to raise no significant issues in terms of discrimination, drugs, negative imitable behaviour, strong/severe language, nudity, threat, sex or violence.
PG stands for Parental Guidance and therefore means that a film is suitable for general viewing although some scenes may be unsuitable for young children below the age of around 8. Parents should consider whether the content of a film may upset younger or more sensitive children and would therefore decide whether or not their child would need supervision when watching.
A PG rated film would not contain any inappropriate themes in terms of for a child. However, PG works are permitted to explore more challenging issues such as bullying, bereavement or racism.
Cinema release suitable for persons aged 12 and over.
Video release suitable for persons aged 12 and over. Works classified at this category (as well as the 12A category) may upset children under the age of 12 or contain content which many parents would find unsuitable for them. For example, the BBFC states that use of strong language can be passed at this rating, depending on the manner in which it is used, who is using the language, its frequency and any special contextual justification. Sexual behaviour may be discreetly and briefly portrayed at this classification, and moderate violence/dangerous behaviour is allowed but will not dwell on detail. Anti-social behaviour should not be endorsed during the film although infrequent sight of drug misuse is permitted. Horror films can also be classified at this category if the overall tone is not too disturbing and if horror sequences are not too frequent or sustained throughout.
No particular theme is prohibited at this rating, provided the treatment of the portrayal of the theme is appropriate for viewers aged 15 and upwards. Strong violence, frequent strong language, portrayals of sexual activity, strong verbal references to sex, sexual nudity, brief scenes of or verbal references to sexual violence, discriminatory language or behaviour and drug taking are all permitted at this rating.
No theme whatsoever is prohibited at 18, although it is possible for some themes tackled to be potentially offensive even to some adult viewers. Very strong violence and frequent (very) strong language is permitted at this classification, as well as strong portrayals of sexual activity, scenes of sexual violence, strong horror, blood and gore, real sex (in some circumstances) and discriminatory language and behaviour.
Adult works for licensed premises only. This categorisation is legally-restricted and primarily consists of explicit works of consenting sex or strong fetish material involving adults.
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